The immigration landscape for businesses is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to the innovative efforts of Alma, a tech-enabled immigration law firm founded by immigrants. By integrating advanced technology with expert legal counsel, Alma is streamlining the immigration process, making it more efficient and predictable for companies navigating complex regulations.
Addressing Inefficiencies in Immigration Services
For years, immigration services have been marred by inefficiency, characterized by delayed responses, unclear communication, and a lack of accountability. This often leaves individuals and companies feeling lost in a system designed to assist them. Alma seeks to alter this narrative by combining world-class legal expertise with artificial intelligence (AI) to create a more organized and transparent immigration strategy for businesses.
The firm’s co-founder, Aizada Marat, draws from her personal experience as an immigrant. Originally from Kyrgyzstan, she faced significant obstacles when a misstep by an immigration attorney hindered her ability to work and travel for over a year. This experience highlighted the fragmented nature of immigration processes, where applicants must navigate an overwhelming number of forms and inconsistent communications.
Alongside her team—including Abhinav Kumar, Chief of Staff, and Aryan Pareek, who oversees growth and operations—Marat is committed to creating a more efficient system that reflects the challenges immigrants face.
Innovative Solutions for Complex Problems
Alma’s strategy involves pairing seasoned immigration attorneys with engineers dedicated to developing AI-driven workflows. This technology automates time-consuming tasks such as document verification and compliance tracking, allowing attorneys to concentrate on case strategy. Despite the use of automation, each application undergoes thorough human review, ensuring the quality and accuracy of legal work.
This approach not only enhances the efficiency of legal processes but also fosters direct communication between clients and their attorneys. Alma’s platform enables clients to track their cases in real time, offering full transparency regarding filed documents and upcoming requirements. This model allows companies to access the same level of visibility they expect from modern software solutions, turning immigration into a strategic advantage rather than a bureaucratic hurdle.
The commitment to transparency extends to additional services, such as handling requests for evidence at no extra charge and including refilings until approval is achieved. With a remarkable 99% approval rate, significantly higher than the industry average of 80-90%, Alma is setting a new standard for immigration services.
Building Trust and Reliability
Alma’s success hinges on its emphasis on building trust and long-term relationships with both employers and individuals. Kumar and Pareek emphasize that this perspective is shaped by daily interactions with clients—from founders seeking O-1 visas to enterprises managing international employees. The firm’s approach is rooted in a desire to make immigration planning integral to businesses’ growth strategies, allowing teams to operate seamlessly across borders.
The recruitment process at Alma reflects its mission-driven ethos, with Kumar ensuring that every new hire, regardless of role, aligns with the company’s values. This selectivity fosters a culture of collaboration and shared awareness, where all team members understand their roles in advancing each case.
As Alma looks to the future, it aims to enhance its leadership in both B2C and B2B immigration services. The firm envisions becoming a comprehensive immigration law provider capable of addressing all stages of the immigration process. Central to this vision is the belief in AI-enabled services, a sector projected to unlock $4 trillion in value over the next decade.
In a rapidly evolving landscape, Alma represents a pivotal shift in how immigration services are delivered. By merging legal expertise with technological innovation, the firm is not only redefining immigration for businesses but also setting a precedent for the future of professional services. As Kumar articulates, “The winners won’t be legacy firms buying software, but AI-native firms that are outcome-driven from the start.” Alma’s model demonstrates how technology can enhance complex legal workflows while preserving the essential human touch.
